Upcoming hub brings in RM4 bln to Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak company KHK Development Sdn Bhd (KHK) and Tianjin Government state-owned Tianbei Heping Development Pte Ltd (Tianbei Heping) yesterday signed an agreement to form a joint venture (JV) company to undertake the development of a new healthcare hub; Kuching Integrated International Medical Centre (KIMhub).

The upcoming healthcare hub, to be developed by KHK and Tianbei Heping’s JV company Hock Kui Heping Sdn Bhd (HKH), will span across 103 acres of land in Kota Samarahan and is estimated to have a gross development value (GDV) of RM4 billion in terms of foreign investment.

“In term of language, Sarawak people speak English, Malay and Mandarin. Coupled with friendly attitude and nice food, this place will be very attractive when the right facilities, services and infrastructures are put in place.

“And that is the reason why our group is aiming to develop a comprehensive and integrated international medical and health hub which will not only attract Mainland Chinese but senior citizens from other countries, the closest being Singapore.

“With gross development value estimated to be in the region of RM4 billion, the investment is immense,” said Tianjin Investor representative and Convoy Fund Management managing partner Jimmy Foong during the signing ceremony between KHK and Tianbei Heping here, yesterday.

“That is why, on behalf of Tianjin group here, I would like to thank the Ministry of Local Government and Housing for being proactive about the signing of MoU to form a Project Investment Task-force (PIT).

“We believe the establishment of PIT will ease our investment process. We therefore would like to state that we have full confidence in our cooperation with Sarawak Government.

“To show our sincerity, we would like to announce that we have parked a token sum of S$20 million into Tianjin Tianbei Development, while waiting for details of our proposed project to be finalised,” he added.

Meanwhile, KHK’s director Joseph Kok commended the government’s effort in bringing in more investments to boost the healthcare sector in Sarawak.

“I would also like to thank the Tianjin government for their confidence and trust in the Sarawak government and Sarawakians which resulted in their willingness to invest here.

“Attracting investment from China is by no means an easy feat as we face tough competition from different countries not only in Southeast Asia but the whole of Asia. For this we thank our Tianjin friends for taking the initiative to approach us and identify us as their partners,” he added.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the KIMhub project in principle, subject to formalisation of all finer prints to be approved by the authorities.

“Development has always been at the top of our state agenda. As the Chief Minister of Sarawak, I am all for the healthcare industry.

“It is an industry that would not adversely impact our environment but is able to generate revenue for the state apart from providing jobs and other spill over benefits and opportunities for Sarawakians,” said Abang Johari in his text speech read by Local Government And Housing Minister Datuk Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said the KIMhub would consist of universities, hospital, diagnostics, colleges, nursing training centre, palliative care centres, facilities for senior citizens who are interested in Malaysia-my-second home programme, international lifestyle centre, as well as other basic amenities such as hotel, dry grocery and designated area for bus and taxis upon completion.

Abang Johari also hoped to see more research and development after the setting up of KIMhub and it will develop in tandem digital economy to build up a developed state which “relies on knowledge and human capital rather than depleting natural resources.

The healthcare hub is also expected to boost the medical tourism here in Sarawak as the government hopes to entice retiring senior citizens from China, Japan, Singapore, and other European countries where the cost of living and medical fees are much higher.

“KIMhub has the potential to be of tremendous benefits to Sarawak and it is my hope that it will be a catalyst of growth for our medical industry, tourism industry as well as research and development industry to propel our state to the next stage of growth,” Abang Johari said.